It's true that we like to think what we know is true and right and those that oppose our ideas are wrong. But is that actually true? How many times have you been proved wrong? Probably very few. Because you forgot about those times. We don't consider those, we push them out of memory because we all like to think we are perfect, or close to it. And anyone who questions that is evil and don't deserve our respect, they could only be the villain in our little sob story.
But what do we gain from being this way? Do we learn from our mistakes if we think we didn't make any mistakes? Do we try to fix ourselves? Fix what? I am perfect!
Does this lead to us being exceptionally arrogant that others want to stay away? But if everyone is doing this then who is right?
I think it's important for us to train our minds to be open, to be willing to intelligently consider all possibilities. Not be gullible, but not be stuck up either. Only then can we better ourselves. Because if nothing else, I do know one truth. As humans, we are not perfect.
Ps. I did find an article regarding this that I wanted to share
Article
While it feels great to have others constantly confirm that our beliefs about life and the world are right, we already know that can be bad for us in the long run. Well, what might not be so obvious is that the same holds true when it comes to our news consumption.
As more of us turn to the web as our main, if not only, source of news, the breadth and depth of our news diet often decreases. We can be attracted to websites and stories that back up our existing theories, echo our social and political views, and make us feel strong and right. John F. Harris, editor in chief of Politico.com, recently told The New York Times, "Everybody in the audience is his or her own editor based on where they want to move their mouse." Our news selection is often times less practical than it is emotional.
Choosing news programs, networks, and websites that simply express some version of what we already believe can have negative consequences. How do we expect to solve anything without understanding how the other side thinks and feels? Albert Einstein said it best: "No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it." Plus, what happened to being challenged? Expanding our minds? How about a little friendly debate?
Follow these simple steps the next time you get your news online to help expand your mind:
Be aware of the collective. Do you only read the articles listed under "Most Read" or "Most Emailed"? Go beyond that to know what other news is out there.
Surf a site with an opposing slant. Check out an op-ed from someone on the other side of the issue. If you don't agree with it, now you might at least have a better sense of why.
Try to see the other side. Even if you disagree with the overall idea, sometimes there might be aspects of it that resonate with you. Either way, it is a good chance to practice open-mindedness.
Enjoy the debate. Get together with a friend who has different views on government bailouts, gay marriage or some other hot button issue and have a debate. Fight fair as you work to present your point and practice actively listening to theirs. It can be a great way to connect.
Take a break from the water cooler. Yes, those gossip stories about celebrities can be entertaining, but make sure to get a balanced diet of news including top stories, health and other topics important to everyday life.
Building awareness about our news consumption habits can foster deeper mindfulness about how we think about issues and our world. Plus, who knows, we might discover something new about ourselves in the process!
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